This book looks at the historical background to the law's approach to ageing, focusing on questions such as: Has the law promoted ageism? How well has the law protected older people against discrimination, abuse and social exclusion? How effective will new prohibitions on age discrimination be when they come into force? Themes include the ways in which the law has a distinct impact on the lives of older people, human rights, housing, finance, health and social care, discrimination, crime, abuse and the State's reaction, and poverty and social exclusion.